159 - I had to be strong and not get sick until I was in a safe place - exploring the impact of displacement on refugee women’s sexual and reproductive health

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

This abstract examines how displacement affects the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of refugee women. Using a participatory photovoice design with narrative inquiry, six refugee women captured photographs about SRH and mental health experiences. Visual data were analyzed through focus groups and in-depth interviews with co-researchers leading interpretation, supported by thematic coding. Results highlight 36 images and eight themes, including bodily autonomy, healthcare access, instability, and resilience, showing how asylum process uncertainty deprioritizes care and how barriers such as language, undignified treatment, and finances restrict access.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aim

Methods

Results

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi53 challenges, narratives highlighted resilience, community and personal growth. Conclusions: Holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive healthcare is essential for SRH equity among refugee women. Refugee-led visual research offers a transformative tool for knowledge production and advocacy. Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.145 159 “I had to be strong and not get sick until I was in a safe place”: exploring the impact of displacement on refugee women’s sexual and reproductive health using photovoice Jamilah Sherally1, Franceska Dnestrianschii1, Zainab Alshamari1, Ekram Beshir1, Habibe Jafari1, Masume Jafari1, Kowthar Mohamed1, Semira Mohammadyasin1, Marielle Le Mat1, Maria van den Muijsenbergh1, Thomas van den Akker1, Saskia Duijs1 1VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands OP 21: Refugees and Asylum Seekers 4, B308 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 14:45-15:45 Aim: To explore how displacement impacts the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of refugee women. Methods: This was a participatory photovoice study integrating photography with narrative inquiry, conducted online between February and May 2024. Six refugee women formerly residing in Moria Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) or Mavrovouni Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) on Lesbos, Greece were involved as co-researchers. Co-researchers captured photographs reflecting the impact of displacement on their SRH and mental health. Visual data were explored in three focus groups and five in-depth interviews. Coresearchers led the analysis, with additional thematic coding by the academic researchers. An intersectional lens guided the interpretation. Results: Thirty-six photographs, many including nature symbolism, illustrated how displacement shaped SRH needs, healthcare-seeking behaviour, access to care, and outcomes. Eight themes emerged: bodily autonomy, instability, living conditions, social support, celebrations, healthcare access, resilience, and finding purpose. While displacement exacerbated SRH needs and undermined bodily autonomy, the instability of the asylum process led to deprioritisation of healthcare-seeking and illness was only experienced until a sense of safety was established. SRH outcomes were shaped by intersecting identities. Access to healthcare was compromised by language barriers, undignified treatment, and financial constraints. Despite

FAQs

What was the aim of the study?

To explore how displacement impacts the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of refugee women.

How was the study conducted?

It used a participatory photovoice approach combining photography with narrative inquiry, conducted online between February and May 2024.

What themes emerged from the results?

Eight themes emerged: bodily autonomy, instability, living conditions, social support, celebrations, healthcare access, resilience, and finding purpose.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda